At least 64 dead as 2500 heavily armed Brazilian police conduct drug raid turning Rio De Janeiro into warzone (videos)

A massive police operation targeting organized crime in Rio de Janeiro has resulted in the deaths of at least 64 people, including four Brazilian police officers, officials confirmed on Tuesday, October 26.

The high casualty count comes amid a major government offensive against the state’s largest and oldest criminal group, Comando Vermelho (CV), known for drug trafficking and extortion.

The operation, which involved more than 2,500 military and civilian police personnel, was launched to combat the “territorial expansion” of the CV. Video footage from the area of the raid showed multiple fires and was underscored by the sound of persistent gunfire.